BOOKS are available on a wide range of boring topics, but I received a pamphlet recently advertising one for sale about vinegar.

Old wives will know that it had more uses than for being shaken on chips.

The acid, dubbed nature's secret weapon, can apparently be used for 325 tried and tested purposes, according to author, Maxwell Stein, including:

cleaning and polishing chrome

cleaning household surfaces, mirrors and glass

repairing scratches in wood

whitening whites

easing insect bite pain

lifting stains on carpets or removing ink stains

cleaning brass and copper, dissolving chewing gum, relieving headaches, helping to fade age spots and much more.

The list is endless and includes banishing unpleasant odours. I don't think so.

At least anyone willing to give it a go will certainly save a fortune on cleaning materials - if they can stand the pong.